Closet rod

ABSTRACT

A closet rod is rectangular in cross-section. At each corner is a protruding longitudinal ridge of convex configuration. The end brackets for holding the rod define walls about the sides and the bottom of the rod. At least one of these walls has a protruding tongue which enters a slot in the rod. In a first embodiment there are two of these tongues which extend toward each other from the sidewalls and in a second embodiment the tongue extends upwardly from the bottom wall. In the first mentioned embodiment there is a projection extending from the bracket up through a slot in the top of the rod, which projection can be bent over to lock the rod onto the bracket.

[45] June 24, 1.975

United States Patent Anderson CLosET RoD SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to constructions for closet rods or the like which provide an adequately strong installation, one that permits simple installation procedure and one which is comparatively inexpensive to fabricate.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an installed closet rod embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a section as viewed at line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary exploded view of the end of the rod and a mounting bracket;

FIG. 4 is a section as seen at line 4 4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of a second embodiment; l

FIG. 6 is a partial longitudinal section; and

FIG. 7 is a transverse section as seen at line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT The following disclosure is offered for public dissemination in return for the grant of a patent. Although it is detailed to ensure adequacy and aid understanding, this is not intended to prejudice that purpose of a patent which is to cover each new inventive concept therein no matter how others may later disguise it by variations in form or additions or further improvements.

The rod of FIGS. 1-4 comprises two telescoping members, generally l0 and 1l. Brackets l2 and 13 are used to mount the rod. Each of the rod members 10, l1 is of generally rectangular configuration, having a protruding convex longitudinal ridge at the corners thereof. To define this configuration member 10 has right vertical sidewall portion 15, left vertical sidewall portion 16, top horizontal wall portion 17 and bottom horizontal wall portion 18. The top of the vertical wall portions l5 and 16 and the sides of the top wall portions 17 are connected by upwardly extending curved wall portions 19 and 20, respectively. There are downwardly extending curved wall portions 21 and 22 which connect the sidewall portions and 16 with the bottom wall portion 18. These curved wall portions 19-22 form protruding convex longitudinal ridges at the corners of the rod and running the length of the rod. Particularly from FIG. 4 it will be seen that the curved wall portions 19-22 start at approximately the level of the respective top and bottom wall portions 17, 18; thus, the sidewall portions 15 and 16 are straight and approximately vertical for the full distance between the top and bottom portions 17 and 18. The top and bottom wall portions are centered between the sidewall portions and are substantially shorter than the distance between the sidewall portions. Similarly, the rod member 11 has sidewall portions 25 and 26, top and bottom wall portions 27 and 28, and externally convex and protecting wall portions 29-32.

The bottom wall portions 18 and 28 define a central opening 35. This serves two functions. First, it permits the insertion of hanger glides in those instances where their use is desired as distinguished from merely hooking the hangers over the top of the rod. Secondly, it permits the sides (e.g. 25, 26) to be displaced towards each other, without undue effort, in the mounting of the rod on the brackets as hereinafter described.

The brackets 12 and 13 are identical. They comprise a planar plate 37 which has openings 38 at the top through which screws 39 may be inserted for the mounting of the brackets. Extending outwardly from plate 37 is a U shaped embossment 40. This embossment defines sidewalls 41 and 42 and a bottom wall 43. The bottom of the respective rod member l0, 1l rests on the bottom wall 43. The sidewalls 4l, 42 are in immediate juxtaposition to the respective sidewall portions of the rod member. The outer face of the embossment (from which prongs 46 and 47 extend) is connected by integral slanting walls to the planar plate about all of the outside of the U and also within the U only at the top thereof.

The wall portion 41 has a projecting prong 46. The wall portion 42 has a projecting prong 47. These prongs extend through slots in the sidewall portions of the rod member. Thus rod member 10 has side slots 48 and 49 through which prongs 46 and 47 extend into the interior of the rod member. Each rod member has a third slot in the top wall portion. Thus top wall portion 17 of rod member 10 has a slot 50. A projection 51 extends outwardly from plate 37 into the interior of the rod and then up through slot 50. The distal end of this projection, above the rod, may be bent back toward plate 37 after the rod is installed to hold the rod against displacement from the bracket.

After mounting the brackets 12 and 13 in the required location for the rod, the rod is then hung on the brackets. To do this the sidewall portions 15, 16 and 25, 26 are pressed toward each other so that they can be slipped between the prongs 46, 47 ofthe brackets. While holding the sides so pressed together, the rod is moved downwardly so that projections 51 enter the top slots, e.g. 50 in the top of the rod. The rod is moved downwardly until slots 48, 49 are aligned with prongs 46, 47. The pressure on the sides of the rod is then released so that the sides spring back outwardly, the prongs being securely seated in the side slots. If desired, the projection 51 on each bracket is then bent back towards plate 37. Thus the rod is securely held in place.

I have found that a rod formed with longitudinal ridges positioned as illustrated and described herein can be formed of somewhat lighter gauge metal and still retain a strength comparable to that of rods of other configurations made of somewhat heavier gauge metal. This is, of course, extremely important in this industry which is highly competitive. Even minor cost savings can be extremely important. Furthermore, this produces a rod of unique, pleasing appearance. This is an important factor in marketing such product.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5-7 the rod members l0' and 11 have the same cross-sectional configuration as that described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. Adjacent the ends the rod members have transverse bottom slots 55 and 56.

The mounting brackets, generally 57 and 58, are identical and only bracket 58 will be described. This bracket comprises a planar plate 59. Extending forwardly from this plate are two side flanges 60 and 6l and a bottom flange 62. These flanges respectively form side and bottom walls. The rod rests on the bottom wall and the sidewalls confine the sidewall portions 25', 26 of the rod member 1l'. The bottom flange 62 3 has a prong 63 which extends through the slot 56 adjacent the end of the rod.

The rod of FIGS. 5-7 has the same sturdy characteristics as that described in connection with the previous embodiment. It is somewhat simpler to install the rod on the mounting brackets 57, 58 than it is with the previous embodiment. But, by the same token, in the FIGS. 5-7 embodiment there is a greater possibility of accidentally displacing the rod from the brackets after installation. In the normal course of events this may not be a problem because the weight of the clothing being supported on the rod will urge the rod downwardly so that the prongs 63 remain in engagement with the rod even though the rod may be accidentally bumped, etc.

As is conventional, a center support bracket 65 may be employed in those installations where the rod is rather fully extended. Where substantial extension of the rod is not involved, such brackets are not used.

I claim:

l. In a closet rod apparatus or the like comprising an extensible rod having devices at each end for supporting the rod, said rod comprising two telescoping members having relatively thin walls such as sheet metal, one member being inside the other member, the improvement comprising;

throughout the length thereof the walls of each member as seen in transverse cross-section comprising left and right straight and vertical side portions spaced from each other a given distance, a top horizontal portion centered between said side portions and at approximately the level of the tops thereof, a bottom horizontal portion centered between said side portions and at approximately the level of the bottoms thereof, the width of said top and bottom horizontal portions being less than said given distance, top externally convex portions connecting the tops of the side portions and the top portion, said convex portions extending above the top portion, bottom externally convex portions connecting the bottoms of the side portions and the bottom portion, said bottom externally convex portions extending below said bottom portion, all of said portions of said one member being in immediate juxtaposition to the corresponding portions of the other member.

2. In a closet rod apparatus or the like as set forth in claim l wherein the bottom portion defines an opening extending longitudinally the length of the rod and said devices are separate components vfrom the rod, the improvement comprising:

each device having two vertical walls just outside of the vertical portions to thereby restrain the rod against sidewise movement with respect to the device and a bottom horizontal wall below and between the vertical walls with the bottom externally convex portions resting on the bottom horizontal wall, a prong extending from one of said device walls, said rod having a slot in its wall adjacent the end thereof, said prong extending into said slot to restrain the rod from separation from the device.

3. In a closet rod apparatus or the like as set forth in claim 2, the improvement comprising:

each device being a planar plate with a U-shaped ernbossment extending outwardly from the plane of the plate so that there is a first part of the device in the plane of the plate and a second part of the device outwardly offset from the plane of the plate,

said first part of the device completely encircling said second part, said embossment defining a wall joining the first part and the second part about all of the outside of the U and also within the U only at the top part thereof, said embossment defining said vertical and horizontal walls within the lower part of the U, said prong extending from one of the vertical walls toward the other vertical wall, a second prong extending from the other vertical wall toward the one vertical wall, said slot being in a side portion, the other side portion having a corresponding slot to receive the second prong, said rod being releasable from said device by squeezing said side portions toward each other to remove the prongs from the slots.

4. In a closet rod apparatus or the like as set forth in claim 3, the improvement comprising:

said rod having a third slot in the top portion adjacent the end of the rod, said device having a projection extending out from the plate and within the rod at its end and up through said third slot, said projection being bendable toward the plate whereby by so bending the distal end of the projection the rod is locked onto the device against accidental displacement.

5. In a closet rod apparatus or the like as set forth in g claim 2, the improvement comprising:

each device being a planar plate with two vertical side flanges extending at right angles to the plate in juxtaposition to the outside of said side portions and defining said vertical walls, and a bottom flange extending at right angles to the plate in juxtaposition to the outside of said bottom portion and defining said bottom wall, said slot being in said bottom portion, said prong extending from the distal part of the bottom flange.

6. In a closet rod apparatus or the like comprising an extensible rod having devices at each end for supporting the rod, said rod comprising two telescoping members having top, side and bottom wall portions defining a rod generally rectangular in cross-section, the improvement comprising:

each device being a planar plate with a U-shaped ernbossment extending outwardly from the plane of the plate so that there is a first part of the device in the plane of the plate and a second part of the device outwardly offset from the plane of the plate, said first part of the device completely encircling said second part, said embossment defining a wall joining the first part and the second part about all of the outside of the U and also within the U only at the top part thereof, said embossment defining vertical and horizontal walls within the lower part of the U which vertical and horizontal walls fit about the side and bottom portions respectively, a first prong extending from one of the vertical walls toward the other vertical wall, a second prong extending from the other vertical wall toward the one vertical wall, one side portion having a slot adjacent the end thereof with the first prong extending through said slot, the other side portion having a corresponding slot receiving the second prong, said rod being releasable from said device by squeezing said side portions toward each other to remove the prongs from the slots.

7. In a closet rod apparatus or the like as set forth in claim 6, the improvement comprising:

bending the distal end ofthe projection the rod is locked onto the device against accidental displacement. 

1. In a closet rod apparatus or the like comprising an extensible rod having devices at each end for supporting the rod, said rod comprising two telescoping members having relatively thin walls such as sheet metal, one member being inside the other member, the improvement comprising: throughout the length thereof the walls of each member as seen in transverse cross-section comprising left and right straight and vertical side portions spaced from each other a given distance, a top horizontal portion centered between said side portions and at approximately the level of the tops thereof, a bottom horizontal portion centered between said side portions and at approximately the level of the bottoms thereof, the width of said top and bottom horizontal portions being less than said given distance, top externally convex portions connecting the tops of the side portions and the top portion, said convex portions extending above the top portion, bottom externally convex portions connecting the bottoms of the side portions and the bottom portion, said bottom externally convex portions extending below said bottom portion, all of said portions of said one member being in immediate juxtaposition to the corresponding portions of the other member.
 2. In a closet rod apparatus or the like as set forth in claim 1 wherein the bottom portion defines an opening extending longitudinally the length of the rod and said devices are separate components from the rod, the improvement comprising: each device having two vertical walls just outside of the vertical portions to thereby restrain the rod against sidewise movement with respect to the device and a bottom horizontal wall below and between the vertical walls with the bottom externally convex portions resting on the bottom horizontal wall, a prong extending from one of said device walls, said rod having a slot in its wall adjacent the end thereof, said prong extending into said slot to restrain the rod from separation from the device.
 3. In a closet rod apparatus or the like as set forth in claim 2, the improvement comprising: each device being a planar plate with a U-shaped embossment extending outwardly from the plane of the plate so that there is a first part of the device in the plane of the plate and a second part of the device outwardly offset from the plane of the plate, said first part of the device completely encircling said second part, said embossment defining a wall joining the first part and the second part about all of the outside of the U and also within the U only at the top part thereof, said embossment defining said vertical and horizontal walls within the lower part of the U, said prong extending from one of the vertical walls toward the other vertical wall, a second prong extending from the other vertical wall toward the one vertical wall, said slot being in a side portion, the other side portion having a corresponding slot to receive the second prong, said rod being releasable from Said device by squeezing said side portions toward each other to remove the prongs from the slots.
 4. In a closet rod apparatus or the like as set forth in claim 3, the improvement comprising: said rod having a third slot in the top portion adjacent the end of the rod, said device having a projection extending out from the plate and within the rod at its end and up through said third slot, said projection being bendable toward the plate whereby by so bending the distal end of the projection the rod is locked onto the device against accidental displacement.
 5. In a closet rod apparatus or the like as set forth in claim 2, the improvement comprising: each device being a planar plate with two vertical side flanges extending at right angles to the plate in juxtaposition to the outside of said side portions and defining said vertical walls, and a bottom flange extending at right angles to the plate in juxtaposition to the outside of said bottom portion and defining said bottom wall, said slot being in said bottom portion, said prong extending from the distal part of the bottom flange.
 6. In a closet rod apparatus or the like comprising an extensible rod having devices at each end for supporting the rod, said rod comprising two telescoping members having top, side and bottom wall portions defining a rod generally rectangular in cross-section, the improvement comprising: each device being a planar plate with a U-shaped embossment extending outwardly from the plane of the plate so that there is a first part of the device in the plane of the plate and a second part of the device outwardly offset from the plane of the plate, said first part of the device completely encircling said second part, said embossment defining a wall joining the first part and the second part about all of the outside of the U and also within the U only at the top part thereof, said embossment defining vertical and horizontal walls within the lower part of the U which vertical and horizontal walls fit about the side and bottom portions respectively, a first prong extending from one of the vertical walls toward the other vertical wall, a second prong extending from the other vertical wall toward the one vertical wall, one side portion having a slot adjacent the end thereof with the first prong extending through said slot, the other side portion having a corresponding slot receiving the second prong, said rod being releasable from said device by squeezing said side portions toward each other to remove the prongs from the slots.
 7. In a closet rod apparatus or the like as set forth in claim 6, the improvement comprising: said rod having a third slot in the top portion adjacent the end of the rod, said device having a projection extending out from the plate and within the rod at its end and up through said third slot, said projection being bendable toward the plate whereby by so bending the distal end of the projection the rod is locked onto the device against accidental displacement. 